France: Rene Gonzalez Thanks Solidarity with The Five

Cuban antiterrorist fighter Rene Gonzalez appreciated the work done by solidarity groups in France to disseminate the truth about the Cubans unjustly condemned in the United States, and demand their release.

“The cause of The Five has been silenced by corporate media, but this silence could not prevent you from declaring your solidarity with us,” Gonzalez said during a meeting held at the Cuban embassy with members from social organizations, friends of the Revolution, journalists, and diplomats. Responding a question from Prensa Latina, he recalled that some of the first letters of support, such as those from Annie Arroyo and Jacqueline Roussie, who send a letter to U.S. President Barack Obama each month demanding the release, were received from France.

Rene, along with Gerardo Hernandez, Ramon Labañino, Antonio Guerrero and Fernando Gonzalez, known as the Cuban Five, were arrested in 1998, and condemned to long setences, for warning their country from terrorist actions by the Mafia in Miami.

After completing their prison sentences, Rene and Fernando Gonzalez returned to their country, but Antonio, sentenced to 27 years in prison plus a period of supervised release, Ramon, sentenced to 30 years in prison, and Gerardo, sentenced to double life imprisonment plus 15 years, are still in jail.

The circunstances of the trial are well-known, we were put in confinement, they went to irrational ends so the trial were held in Miami, and guarantee a jury that declared us guilty and, to cap it all, we know the press was paid to create a hostile atmosphere, he said.

Rene Gonzalez recalled that the third campaign “Five Days for the Cuban Five” will be held in June, in which visits to the Congress, media, meetings with lawyers and intellectuals, demonstrations in front of the White House demanding the release of his three fellow countrymen, are expected.

Organizations such as France Cuba, Cuba Si France, activists for the release of The Five, associations of Cuban residents, political leaders, intellectuals, and diplomats attended the meeting at the embassy.